What will the iPhone 5se look like?

Apple could be set to launch a new four-inch iPhone called the iPhone 5se at an industry event on March 21st.

The new device is reportedly very much similar to the 2013 iPhone 5s, with some internal hardware and software upgrades.

Earlier rumours surrounding the smartphone suggested the smaller version of Apple's flagship product would be dubbed the iPhone 6c and look similar to the iPhone 6. However, more recent information suggests the device will bear a very close resemblance to the iPhone 5s.

A case maker told 9to5Mac that the product's dimensions are indistinguishable from the iPhone 5s, which means the newer handset will fit inside existing cases designed for the older model. Some minor cosmetic changes were noted, including the repositioning of the sleep/wake/power button to the side of the mobile, rather than at the top.

While the top of the handset has been the traditional location for this button, Apple shifted it to the side with the launch of the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus beginning in 2014. The edges of the iPhone 5se are reported to be slightly curved around the edges, but not as much as on the sides of the iPhone 6 and 6s.

It is worth noting that 2014 was also when Apple really started to embrace the possibilities offered by releasing more screen size options across multiple devices. Earlier iterations of the iPhone were universally four-inch screens. While this is now being touted as the smaller version, it was the only option available for a very long time.

According to PC Advisor, the iPhone 5se is expected to ship with a minimum capacity of 16BG. However, the maximum available storage space is open for speculation. Apple currently offers either a 16GB or 64GB model of the iPhone 5 – and these options could be matched by the newer model.

Similarly, the eight-megapixel rear-facing and 1.2-megapixel front-facing cameras of the iPhone 6 are also thought to be being ported over to the iPhone 5se. Another major talking point – as ever with notoriously power-hungry smartphones – is the battery life. Some Chinese manufacturers have reported work on a 1642 mAh battery. This would mean a smaller battery than the 1810 mAh and 1715 mAh found on the iPhone 6 and 6s respectively, but larger than the 1510 mAh battery of the iPhone 5c.

Whatever the final specifications of the iPhone 5se are, we could be set to find out very soon if the hype surrounding Apple's hotly anticipated March 21st event proves well-founded.